The Influence of Using Baby Walkers on the Infant Motor Development: Systematic Review

Abstract

Samah Saud Alharbi, Weaam Alammar and Halah Abuaish

Background: Research findings suggest that a significant percentage of families worldwide, ranging from 42% to 90%, utilize baby walkers for their infants. However, there is evidence indicating that baby walkers can delay the natural development of motor skills and may pose a risk of infants’ health. Report of injuries related to baby walker range from 7 % to 50 % depending on the source. Consequently, additional research is warranted to investigate the influence of using baby walker on healthy infant motor development.

Purpose: Review to explore the effectiveness of baby walker use on Infants motor development.

Methods: Seven out of eleven studies were observational cross-sectional studies, two studies were described as clinical trial, and other study was longitudinal study, and the last one semi-prospective case-control study, published between 2002-2023. Data source was collected from, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, ProQuest, articles in Scopus, and PEDro databases.

Data Extraction: any articles focused on Baby walker usage without considering the influence of infant motor development. Data Synthesis: The study focuses on the influence of using baby walker on healthy infant motor development.

Limitation of the Study: The review study is limited to 11 studies, stemming from inconsistencies in outcome and definitions across the articles reviewed, leading to the need to consolidate results for analysis

Conclusion: The literature review showed that there is a significant deficiency in evidence regarding the potential influence of baby walkers’ child motor development.

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